Cambridge University is staying tight-lipped on reports that Russian spies may be targeting one of its academic bodies.

A number of national newspapers have reported alleged concerns about the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar, a forum of dons interested in the world of espionage.

Several members of the forum are reported to have resigned from it, fearing the Kremlin is behind a newly-launched intelligence journal, which provides funding for the forum.

The newspapers say the situation is an echo of the infamous Cambridge spy ring of the 1950s, when Cambridge graduates Kim Philby, Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean were exposed for passing secrets to the Soviet Union.

Guy Burgess

The Cambridge Intelligence Seminar meets at Corpus Christi College, but three of its members are said to have quit, one of them reportedly saying the forum was the victim of "unacceptable Russian influence".

Concern centres on a digital publishing house called Veruscript, which helps cover some of the CIS’s costs, with claims it may be acting as a front for the Russian intelligence services. The organisation has begun publishing a new journal, the Journal of Intelligence and Terrorism Studies.

The Financial Times says its sources believe Russia may be using the journal to influence sensitive debates on national defence and security.

The News has contacted the publishing house for comment on the stories, but has not received a reply.

A Cambridge University spokeswoman said the university would not be issuing a statement or comment in response to the articles.